How changes in metabolism affect lung stem cells in pulmonary fibrosis
Official title: Metabolic Reprogramming of the Alveolar Stem Cell Niche in Pulmonary Fibrosis
Funded at Tulane University of Louisiana · NIH-11057707 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in metabolism affect lung stem cells, especially in people with pulmonary fibrosis, to see if a specific enzyme can help us understand how lung cells behave during injury and healing, which could lead to new treatments for lung diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tulane University of Louisiana NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $543,493 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL173154-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11057707 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other lung conditions that do not involve pulmonary fibrosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how metabolic changes influence the behavior of alveolar stem cells in the lungs, particularly in the context of pulmonary fibrosis. It focuses on the interactions between different cell types in the lung and how these interactions can be altered by metabolic enzymes. By studying the role of a specific enzyme, nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), the research aims to understand how it affects the transition of certain lung cells during injury and repair processes. The findings could provide insights into new therapeutic strategies for lung diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve lung function and quality of life for patients with pulmonary fibrosis.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding metabolic pathways in lung diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Tulane University of Louisiana
New Orleans, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thannickal, Victor J. — Tulane University of Louisiana
- Study coordinator: Thannickal, Victor J.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Molecular clues to progressive lung scarring
Researchers are studying how lung tissue becomes progressively scarred, focusing on cell signals and receptors that may drive fibrosis in people with lung disease.
-
Alveolar Cell Dysfunction in Pulmonary Fibrosis: Using SFTPC Mutations to Find New Targets
This grant explores how rare SFTPC mutations in alveolar cells may drive IPF and seeks new molecular targets to improve treatment.
-
Iron and scar-forming cells in the lungs (IPF)
Researchers are exploring how iron in the lungs may drive the scarring seen in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and whether this could lead to new therapies.
-
Repurposing Pyrvinium as an Inhaled Therapy for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
A patient-friendly look at a project trying to use an existing drug, pyrvinium, as an inhaled treatment option for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
-
Screening new compounds to reverse gene signatures in IPF lungs
A researcher hopes to find compounds that reverse harmful gene changes in the lungs of people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
-
Role of lactate transporters in lung scarring
Aims to see if blocking lactate transporters can slow or stop scar-forming cells from thickening the lungs in people with fibrotic lung disease.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.